Chapter 623: Fei Qingyi

Literary Arts and the Xuanjian Immortal Clan!

The formation in the great hall slowly shimmered, and Li Qinghong suddenly recalled the time when water descended and thunder ascended, and she rode the thunder out to sea. True Monarch Taiyue of Xiuyue Sect had cut through the celestial anomaly with a single sword, and countless shooting stars had fallen.

‘Back then, I clearly couldn't make out the True Monarch's form, only seeing a blurry white light. Now, seeing the chief disciple in the hall, who also has no distinct features, there's a strong sense of recognition.’

True Monarch Taiyue had attained a profound spiritual status; individuals of that level, once encountered, could likely be recognized immediately even from a crude drawing. She pondered it carefully, swallowed her words, and softly said:

"It just feels familiar."

Li Xijun, understanding the hint, didn't press further. He quietly observed for a moment and replied:

"The painting should be of the Chongming Hall."

"Indeed."

Although the Six Sons of Chongming were renowned, there were seven figures in the painting. Li Qinghong recalled that the Chunyi Dao of the East Sea also belonged to the Green Pine lineage. She had sparred with Xi Chang of Chunyi Dao, and since that lineage practiced the Lunar Yin cultivation method, it had left a deep impression on her.

"The person outside the hall should be the founder of Chunyi Dao."

The guard-like figure outside the hall was likely from the Xi family, as the crescent moon on the sword corresponded perfectly. She carefully explained her conjecture, and Li Xijun seemed to grasp it, nodding and saying:

"The Purple Qi Flowing Cover, the Purple Smoke Sect's treasured artifact, is renowned. The purple-robed senior should be the founder of the Purple Smoke Sect... The red-robed figure corresponds to Heng Zhu; the white-robed figure carrying a sword on their back should be from the Sword Gate; the linen-robed figure is dressed in the Changhuai style; and the chief disciple beside the seat..."

Li Qinghong replied:

"It's likely the one from Jiangbei."

The two enumerated the figures, deliberately avoiding mention of the youth in green robes and dark boots. After all, they were on someone else's territory; it was better to understand it internally and not elaborate. Li Xijun observed carefully and soon found several lines of text-like patterns on the dark green markings on the side.

Li Xijun naturally couldn't quite decipher them, but Li Qinghong closed her eyes and pondered, quickly discerning their meaning through her connection with ancient artifacts:

"These markings are unique mystic seals of ancient cultivators. Their meaning is roughly..."

"Jiang Bing, Chen Xuanli."

Li Qinghong explained:

"The image on the screen was painted by the former, while the artifact itself was crafted by the latter."

Li Xijun nodded thoughtfully, gripped the sword at his waist, and softly said:

"I heard the Chen clan came from Jiangbei. Chen Taoping from Lake Isle should be a descendant of Chen Xuanli; at that time, his alias was Zhang Cuotian, and he seemed to have quite a reputation."

"Let's first test this painted screen."

Li Qinghong said no more. She flew into the air with him, riding thunder. The night was deep. She unfurled her artifact, and the Chongming Profound Cavern Screen suddenly rotated in the air. The mystic winds depicted on the screen flowed, and the green pines swayed, casting down a dark green hue.

"This is Chongyuan, a suppressing technique specifically for countering flying swords and magical light."

Li Xijun nodded lightly. He casually took out a golden leaf-shaped artifact from his storage bag, which was only a low-grade Qi Condensation artifact. He activated it with spiritual power and sent it flying. As expected, it started to wobble and became somewhat uncontrollable once it reached mid-air.

Li Xijun hadn't thoroughly studied the path of flying swords, but the spiritual power consumption was real. He casually retracted the artifact and nodded, saying:

"It's indeed most effective against the Tangjin Gate."

The unrest in Jiangbei had subsided, and the Tangjin Gate had probably reopened its sect. This immortal sect was famously skilled at using flying daggers, flying swords, and magical light, and most feared these suppressing techniques.

Li Qinghong performed a hand seal and cast a spell, changing the magical imprint. The Chongming Profound Cavern Screen unfurled, emitting several faint golden iridescent lights that enveloped a three-zhang radius around them. She turned to the side and said:

"This is Juecha, an isolation method that can block prying eyes and hinder spiritual sense."

This was right up Li Xijun's alley. White mist surged in his eyes as he carefully investigated. A full quarter of an hour passed before he nodded in praise, saying:

"It's indeed excellent. Even I can only see a shadow."

Li Xijun's eye technique was extremely powerful; his talismans and eye techniques overlaid each other, allowing him to see through grand formations even at the Qi Condensation stage. If he could only discern a shadow, then probably no Foundation Establishment cultivator in Jiangnan could see through it.

Li Qinghong changed her hand seal again. The eight painted screens vibrated, forming a circle, and all eight sides emitted a profound light, raising a layer of bright screen light that looked quite robust. She explained:

"This is Daojin, a defensive technique. The details within the spell are vague, but it looks very solid."

Li Xijun nodded lightly. The long sword at his waist suddenly sprang up, creating a swath of frost and snow light in the air before landing in his palm. It was naturally the Moon Chasm Sword Arc, the opening move of the Li family's sword cultivators.

Clang!

Li Xijun had cultivated Sword Essence, making him effortlessly fluid. The Moon Chasm Sword Arc in his hand showed no trace of moonlight; rather than being the conventional Moon Chasm Sword Arc, it was entirely his own creation. Bright sword light interwove with frost and snow, condensing into falling snow that rustled as it descended.

Li Qinghong saw the sky full of falling snow and let out a word of praise. The eight profound lights of the Chongming Profound Cavern Screen shone brightly, and the bright screen light had just risen when both were momentarily stunned.

"Huh?"

However, the fifth panel of the screen quietly began to move. The light depicted in the hall, which had been momentarily frozen, began to flow. Book pages turned, white robes fluttered, and long swords glowed. The man carrying the sword actually turned his blank face towards the falling snow in the sky.

The Chongming Profound Cavern Screen emitted a dark green hue, and the sword light in Li Xijun's hand lightened. The Sword Essence filling the sky silently dimmed, and the falling snow froze, as if its vitality had been taken away, scattering stiffly and lifelessly.

Clink...

The Sword Essence struck the screen light and rapidly dissipated, creating ripples. The sword in Li Xijun's hand turned gracefully, raising a swath of frost and snow, like pine branches drooping, as ice and snow descended from above with a fine, crisp sound.

"Three-Part Moon Streamer!"

Three frost-like sword lights flew from his sword, bright, pure, and extremely agile, circling once in the air. But before them was an artifact, not a person; its screen light stood tall, and no weakness could be found.

Buzz...

The dark green hue of the Chongming Profound Cavern Screen spread out again. The three flowing sword qi stifled simultaneously, as if suppressed, and struck the screen together, letting out a crisp, loud burst.

Crash!

This sword technique finally made the Chongming Profound Cavern Screen tremble slightly, its light dimming somewhat. Li Qinghong felt a sinking sensation in her hand, and her spiritual power consumption sharply increased. Li Xijun sheathed his sword, interrupting his sword technique mid-way, and exclaimed in admiration:

"What a fine artifact!"

The first two mystic functions of the Chongming Profound Cavern Screen were excellent, but they were ultimately achievable by modern artifacts, lacking the unique characteristics of ancient artifacts. Although Li Xijun praised it, he wasn't astounded.

But this Daojin function was the main effect of the Chongming Profound Cavern Screen, and it truly gave both of them a great surprise.

Li Qinghong also showed surprise. She immediately reacted, seeing someone approaching on the wind below. She put away the Chongming Profound Cavern Screen and descended rapidly. Li Xijun approached on the wind and said earnestly:

"This sword, when striking the screen, at least loses twenty percent of its power..."

He and Li Qinghong went up the mountain together, feeling quite moved, and said solemnly:

"Twenty percent! If it's effective against all sword qi, this artifact is truly incredible! Moreover, this is only one panel. With seven figures on the screen, how many Dao lineages could it correspond to! This thing is a treasure for suppressing clan destiny; it's absolutely incomparable to the Misplaced Incense Cauldron..."

Li Qinghong nodded in disbelief and softly said:

"The Jiangnan Dao lineages, one originated from the Six Sons of Chongming, and the other was bestowed by the Moon Splendor Origin Mansion. If this artifact were to advance to the Violet Palace level, it would probably be qualified to suppress several Jiangnan prefectures!"

The aunt and nephew exchanged glances and entered the peak. The Chongming Profound Cavern Screen unfurled, enveloping a three-zhang radius around them. Li Xijun whispered:

"This is probably a unique treasure in our family, besides our clan's core treasure. This is what an ancient artifact truly is. Even the Wall Water Pill requires a master of the Water Residence Dao to unleash its power. With this artifact in hand, all Foundation Establishment cultivators of Jiangnan Dao lineages will fall short by a significant margin."

His mind already worked extremely fast, and he said thoughtfully:

"It is said that Ningguo has always coveted Wuyue, and later, conflicts were constant... The target of this Chongming Profound Cavern Screen is extremely obvious! It was clearly made for Yue Country and even has a special suppressive power against sword cultivators..."

The aunt and nephew discussed for a while. It was decided that the artifact would remain with Li Qinghong, and the woman softly said:

"Let's not jump to conclusions yet. In the future, we'll find suitable opportunities to test this Chongming Profound Cavern Screen more, to see if all eight panels can respond individually."

Li Xijun nodded and reported recent family matters. Outside the hall, a guard again stepped forward to announce that Li Chengliao had arrived.

After all, he had once been the clan head. He still wore his large cloak and carried a swaddled infant in his arms. As he approached the hall, he respectfully said:

"My lord, someone has arrived from the sea. Jiangqian has been sent back."

Li Xijun rose and stepped forward, taking the swaddled infant. The child in his arms was very quiet, well-behaved, and adorable. Its golden, clear eyes immediately fixed on his face.

Li Jiangqian was completely different from his elder brother. He not only lacked that fierce appearance, nor did he have golden scales; he was quiet and calm, like an ordinary child.

He met its gaze for a few breaths, pinched the child's cheeks, and seeing no sharp white fangs in its mouth, he then returned it to Li Chengliao and instructed:

"For now, raise him in the mountains. Look after him carefully and don't take it lightly."

Qingchi Sect.

Li Xizhi and Yang Ruizao left Changtian Peak together. Fei Qingyi was waiting outside the formation, dressed in white with long flowing hair, waiting very respectfully.

It must be said that the Fei family members were very comely. Fei Qingyi had bright eyes and white teeth, with a dignified posture. She didn't need any elaborate attire; simply standing alone in a plain white robe, she already drew the attention of those around her.

"Junior Qingyi greets the seniors!"

She recognized Li Xizhi at a glance, quickly stepped forward to bow, her tone considerate. Li Xizhi also nodded in reply:

"Congratulations, Fellow Daoist! If Senior Tongyu knew, he would surely be overjoyed."

Fei Qingyi responded softly and politely:

"Our two families have been on good terms for generations. This junior barely managed to cultivate the Ni Shui Han and immediately came to pay respects to the seniors. Fortunately, I arrived in time, otherwise, my father would scold me for being remiss."

The Yang family's spiritual boat was already at Green Mountain. As soon as she arrived, her demeanor was extremely humble, and she conversed cheerfully. The three got along quite harmoniously, little did they know that the white-robed female cultivator was extremely relieved in her heart:

"Fortunately, I didn't hesitate... just half a quarter of an hour difference!"

As soon as Fei Qingyi broke through, she rushed here at high speed, just happening to encounter Li Xizhi leaving. Even if she had meditated for an extra quarter of an hour, she would have missed him, and then she would have had to stay in the sect alone!

If at that moment the main hall had brought up the old accounts of the Tang rebellion, and Li Xizhi was not in the sect, and news from Moon Lake had not yet arrived, she truly would have been without a path to heaven or a door to earth.

Now, as she entered the boat with this dignified and noble man, Fei Qingyi's sense of relief had not yet dissipated when Li Xizhi already turned his head and said gently:

"The current situation is complex, and your identity is sensitive. It's safer for you to leave the sect and follow me for now. We can return to the lake together."

These words immediately stunned Fei Qingyi. It turned out it wasn't her great fortune or a mere coincidence, but that the man before her had specifically brought her out. Her feelings instantly became complicated, and she softly expressed her gratitude.

Yang Ruizao, observing from the side, saw how he clarified the matter with a single sentence. He secretly sighed to himself, musing:

"After all, he carries the bloodlines of both the Qi, Xiao, and Li families. Which of these families are simple characters? His family education also combines the best of both. What Yuan Tuan said back then was indeed true; he's truly formidable."

As Yang Ruizao thought of this, he suddenly realized that Li Xizhi's background was anything but simple. The Li family, of course, goes without saying; not only are they a lineage of sword immortals, but he is also Li Yuanjiao's direct son.

And Xiao Guitu, the head of the Xiao family, was his maternal uncle. Xiao Yongling and Xiao Yuansi were also closely related to him by blood. Plus his own Yang family, in terms of background, Li Xizhi was truly among the very best.

Li Xizhi was, after all, one of their own, so he wouldn't expose anything. He tilted his head, looking out of the boat, listening as Fei Qingyi softly said:

"In recent years, your noble clan has been flourishing. Our two families were originally close friends, but my father has always been unwilling to lower his status, not wanting your noble clan to think that my Fei family is opportunistic. Thus, we haven't actively sought closeness. However, our family clearly remembers your kindness, just waiting for an opportunity to offer help in times of need."

"I never thought that now the Li clan would again save my family... Qingyi truly doesn't know what to say..."

The Li family exchanged frequent letters, so how could Li Xizhi not know what kind of person Fei Tongyu was? If it were Fei Tongxiao, who admired his own aunt, this sentiment would be plausible, but it was absolutely impossible for Fei Tongyu. He said gently:

"Our family naturally understands; there's no need for excessive thanks."

Seeing that Fei Qingyi was very sensible, Li Xizhi naturally asked:

"How is Yuanwu Peak now?"

Fei Qingyi immediately replied:

"The Yu clan is somewhat better off; they were only fined some assets. The Tang clan, however, are all locked within the peak and cannot enter or exit. I broke through in the cold pond in the mountains, so I was not among them."

"As for those who were close to the Yu clan, in earlier years, they still harbored resentment, but now, with Yuanwu Peak's major crime, they have all dispersed completely."

She understood what Li Xizhi wanted to hear and said in a low voice:

"Although Yu Muxian had many friends over the years, only two truly sought revenge. One died on the riverbank. The other..."

Fei Qingyi smiled gently and replied:

"He was originally Yu Muxian's friend, with clear distinctions between gratitude and grudges, and full of resentment. However, when he was close to death defending the river, Senior Qinghong rescued him with her thunder-riding technique. The senior didn't recognize a minor figure like him and simply saved him and left. But he was greatly grateful and inquired about the senior's name."

"After returning to the sect, I heard this person became sullen and silent, and never mentioned revenge again."

These words made Li Xizhi and Yang Ruizao exchange glances, and Yang Ruizao smiled:

"He's quite a character indeed."

Li Xizhi, however, recalled Quan Yi, who had fought alongside him against Tuoba Chongyuan. He had brought Quan Yi's mother into the peak, but the old woman had passed away sorrowfully within a few days, leaving behind several of her nephews' children at the foot of the mountain.

"If there's an opportunity to take disciples from the Quan clan, they won't have to rely on me every day."

The group conversed for a while, arriving above Moon Lake. Li Qinghong and others arrived on thunder to greet them. After introductions were made, Fei Qingyi's eyes sparkled as she looked at Li Qinghong, clearly feeling a sense of closeness.

After all, there weren't many female cultivators in Jiangnan, and Li Qinghong was also famous on the riverbank for saving many of the Fei family members. She was inherently capable and generous, heroic and spirited, and seemed easy to get along with at a glance, naturally making Fei Qingyi feel very close to her.

Li Xizhi's current outing was a race against time. He didn't linger, sending Fei Qingyi home, and the group then flew on the wind towards the west bank.